Interview with Song Joong-ki: 'I try to stay true to myself'

This is the first in a three-part series covering a group interview Friday with actor Song Joong-ki in Seoul. -- Ed.

“Descendants of the Sun” has come to an end, and so has Song Joong-ki’s time as the dashing Army Capt. Yoo Shi-jin. But this may only mark another beginning for the 30-year-old actor, whose celebrity status has rocketed to a whole new level since his appearance in the military-themed TV drama. For the first time since the show’s wrap, Song met with reporters in a group interview Friday at Grand Hyatt Seoul to discuss the frenzy of his newfound fame, his future plans and more.

Q: You were recently in Hong Kong for a promotional tour of “Descendants.”

A: I had read about the show’s popularity overseas. It was the first time I was able to actually see for myself how many fans were there. After the promotion, I was at a photo shoot for a magazine, and when the photographer and I were shooting on the streets, that’s when I really felt that so many people had seen the show. It was so surprising and such a joy.

Q: “Descendants” has had a huge impact, not just on TV but in other areas as well. Estimates say it generated some 3 trillion won ($2.6 billion) worth of profits to the Korean economy.

A: I’ve read in news reports that (the TV drama) has been important for other sectors of the society as well. I’ve simply done my part as an actor, but I feel a sense of responsibility, too. I feel like I need to stay up to date on all these issues.

Q: The show’s huge success must have changed your life quite a bit. You’ve become more popular than ever, not just locally, but also overseas. How do you deal with this? Do people say you’ve changed?

A: That’s a question that I ask myself a lot these days. I don’t know yet. I try to stay the same but I also think that change is inevitable. What I mean is, if you stay the same as in your rookie days, you can’t deal with all the new responsibilities you are faced with. Of course, my most important values should stay the same. My appearance has also changed a lot since my early acting days. Our company’s profits have soared; our managers are so happy these days. All things aside, though, I try to stay true to myself. People say I’m a hallyu celebrity now, but I don’t really feel that way. I learn a lot from people like Song Hye-kyo (who played Song Joong-ki’s love interest in “Descendants”) and Lee Kwang-soo (cast member of variety show “Running Man”), (they) are the ones that are really hallyu stars. (Kwang-soo) is the “Prince of Asia,” he’s the real star.

Q: How crazy has the level of fame gotten?

A: To be honest, I’m a little upset these days. My family has been exposed to the media. Some people break into our house. My ex-girlfriend’s photos are circulating online. To say that these are things I need to endure for the sake of celebrity ... that’s sad. I want to respectfully request that my private life remain private.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)